A 12-week training guide to prepare people to participate in the Catlin End-to-End event will be distributed across the Island this week.

The brochures, called "Get Ready, Get Fit" come in two versions, one for adults and one for young participants.

Both were created by fitness and health experts and contain diet and training tips, as well as a training schedule, for those thinking of participating in the May 3 event.

The Island-wide effort sees about 2,500 grass-roots supporters collecting pledges to walk, row, swim, cycle or otherwise make their way across the Island in a one day blitz for Bermuda charities — it raised $250,000 last year.

The adult training brochure will be included as an insert in tomorrow's edition of The Royal Gazette and the youth version in the Mid Ocean News February 8.

Both versions of the brochure can also be downloaded from the Bermuda End-to-End website, found at www.endtoend.bm.

"The Catlin End-to-End event is a true test of fitness and determination for all participants," said ETE chair Anne Mello.

"Our many corporate sponsors underwrite the cost of producing our event - but it is the pledges collected by the 2,500 or more on-the-ground participants that support Bermuda's charities.

"So it is crucial that each participant is ready and fit to take on this challenge."

While supporters can collect pledges to walk, row, swim, cycle or otherwise make their way across the island in the one-day charity event, the vast majority of the participants walk — which is why the "Get Ready Get Fit" brochures outline a walking programme, she added.

"We have people of every age and background taking part in this event, which makes this the most inclusive fund-raising effort on the island," said Mrs. Mello.

The 2008 event will support six local charities: Bermuda National Trust, Duke of Edinburgh Award, Greenrock, The Adult Education School, The Wind-Reach Explorers Summer Camp and The Family Centre.

The Catlin End-to-End event is organised by the Bermuda End-to-End charity which is committed to promoting the happiness and well-being Bermuda's community through all-inclusive activities.

And, it is supported by numerous local sponsors, hundreds of volunteers and more than 2,500 individual participants.